ENGAGING IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

We are an evangelistic and missionary community. We do rapid, massive and worldwide evangelization. When we do so, we automatically engage in spiritual warfare, with the devil as our enemy. Now he is a fallen angel, but still a powerful being. On our own we cannot defeat him. Thus we need God’s help, protection, strength and empowerment. With God we can defeat the enemy. “You can tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon.” (v.13).

How can we secure God’s protection and help?

First, we must know Jesus as our Savior and Lord, putting our faith in him. God says: “because he knows my name I will set him on high.” (v.14b). We must understand and live out who we are in relation to the Master. We are his disciples and servants.

Second, we must look to the Holy Spirit and call upon Him. “He will call upon me and I will answer; I will be with him in distress; I will deliver him and give him honor.” (v.15). We look to being equipped and empowered by the Spirit.

Third, we must draw ever deeper into the bosom of the Father, trusting only in Him. God assures us: “because he clings to me I will deliver him” (v.14a). We must grow in our relationship with God, walking the path of holiness.

What are the consequences of the above? We need never fear the enemy. We can fully trust in the God who calls us and sends us forth. “You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.’”(v.1-2).

God will keep us safe from the enemy. “He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare, from the destroying plague.” (v.3).

God will win the victory for us. “You need simply watch; the punishment of the wicked you will see.” (v.8).

In the midst of evil and raging spiritual war, we need never be afraid. “You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day” (v.5).